ISME Blog

Inflation Figures “Mask” Rising State Influenced Business Costs

ismeireland — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:41:46 +0000

Tweet •Competitiveness continues to be undermined by ‘out of touch’ Government. •ISME calls for a benchmarking review to compare business costs with our trading competitors. ISME, Thursday 10th May 2012. In response to the latest inflation figures released today (10th May), ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises, has called on the Government to [...]

Danger of Complacency as Slight Reduction in Live Register Announced

ismeireland — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:49:40 +0000

Tweet •High business costs and social welfare system slowing down recovery. •True unemployment figures masked by increased youth emigration. •Increase in long-term unemployed a major worry. •Reduction in costs is only sure way to increase employment. ISME, Wednesday 2nd May 2012. ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, while welcoming the slight reduction [...]

Retail Trade Being Ignored by Government

ismeireland — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:43:43 +0000

Tweet •Retail Strategy Group needed to combat slow death of sector. •25,000 jobs in danger if no action taken. ISME, Friday 27th April 2012. ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, has called on the Government to initiate a coherent strategy for the retail sector through the promised Retail Strategy Group before it is [...]

SME Competitiveness Being Undermind by Government Influenced Costs

ismeireland — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:45:37 +0000

Tweet •Renewed focus on all State imposed business costs required. •Public expenditure reduction must lead to improved productivity. ISME, Thursday 12th April 2012. ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises, in response to the latest inflation figures of 2.2%, has demanded a total examination of all State costs affecting business and a review of ‘An [...]

Overdue Credit Guarantee Scheme Welcomed by Small & Medium Business

ismeireland — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:18:36 +0000

Tweet •Bank Market Failure partially addressed by Guarantee Scheme. •Strict Oversight required to keep Banks “honest”. •Microfinance Scheme must now be fast-tracked for smaller enterprises. Wednesday 11th April 2012. ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association has welcomed the publication of the Bank Guarantee Bill, for which the Association has lobbied for a number [...]

ISME Calls For Government to Deliver on Jobs Promise

ismeireland — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:04:49 +0000

Tweet •Concern over increase in long term unemployed as Live Register reduces. •Coordinated enterprise policies required to assist job retention and creation. •Government must tackle employment inhibitors, including high business costs and welfare constraints. ISME, Wednesday 4th April 2012. In response to the latest Live Register figures published today (Wednesday 4th April), ISME, the Irish [...]

Significant Improvement in SME Business Confidence

ismeireland — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:47:46 +0000

Tweet •Exporters leading the way but question remains as to whether recovery has begun. •Domestic market still in doldrums, with retailers suffering badly. •Economic uncertainty, access to finance, cost competitiveness are main concerns. •Fiscal imbalance means structural reform essential – Croke Park must be revisited. •Government Pro-enterprise policies essential to revitalisation of Economy. ISME, Monday [...]

ISME Demands Stronger Measures to Combat Black Market Operators as Retail Trade Struggles

ismeireland — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:55:17 +0000

Tweet •Legitimate business being undermined by increase in illegal operators. •Disappointing Retail figures a clear indication of threat to 50,000 jobs in sector. •Surge in black market costing jobs. ISME, Wednesday 28th March 2012. ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, has demanded stronger government action to stamp out the black economy and the [...]

Small Business Disappointed With Government Performance

ismeireland — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:58:05 +0000

Tweet •76% of SMEs unsatisfied with Government performance on banking. •Business Costs still a major issue. •Government scores a minus 54% on Jobs initiative. •Dealing with Troika scores highest with a negative 21%. ISME, Tuesday 27th March 2012. ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association has today released its ‘Report card on Government’ after [...]

Thousands of Businesses Suffering due to Late Payments From Big Business and Government Agencies

ismeireland — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:39:50 +0000

Tweet •Small Business waiting 71 days average for payment. •Big business continues to deliberately delay payments. •HSE blatantly ignoring Minister’s instructions on Late Payments •“Fair Payments Charter” needed in absence of workable prompt payments legislation. ISME, Monday 26th March 2012. ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association has warned that more businesses are in [...]